The prices have been climbing slowly year after year, the only way I buy each year's assortments is on layaway at my local Hallmark store.

Because of the price increase, I decided to skip the Lego style ornaments, and even the Vader Peekbuster.

I was glad I was able to pick up this year's exclusives, scored the CVI set first day of the show since I made the Hallmark booth my first stop, and was lucky enough to get some help with 4-LOM and Zuckuss at NYCC this year.

I haven't been going crazy with the Star Wars ornaments, but now there are a couple hanging on our Christmas tree thanks to my wife! I've got the Rebel Snowspeeder and TESB Yoda gracing the tree right now.

And today we happened to go to the Hallmark store in town get some cards for Christmas. In the process I checked out this years ornaments. I was surprised by a couple of things. First, that there appear to be some half a dozen ornaments for this year. But also the price! At least $30 per ornament?

Out of this year's assortment I think I'd only be inclined to go with the TIE Interceptor and the Han Solo & Tauntaun. I just don't know about hanging Darth Maul or General Grievous on the Christmas tree!

Grabbed my Vader "peekbuster" and Lego Stormtrooper ornaments this weekend. I haven't tested out the Vader to see what it sounds like - I'm assuming it'll be The Force Unleashed-ish sort of Vader voice, but I wanted to check it out ahead of time. At least in the Brick Hallmark, I took the last one of each of these. While they'll obviously restock, I was surprised that they were gone so quickly, as I'm there at opening!

I'll be back in October for the Vader "peekbuster" and Lego stormtrooper.

Day after Christmas for the Interceptor and Han on tauntaun - can't throw down $30 and $33, respectively, on two ornaments that I know will be available for half price on 12/26. (At least, that strategy's worked for the last 3 years or so!)